The Kingfisher
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Historic 13th century Tithe Barn located along the River Ouse, surrounded by 3.5 acres of landscaped gardens. This is the best wedding venue in Bedford.
Summary of reviewsThe Kingfisher is highly acclaimed for its idyllic location nestled by a serene river, providing a picturesque and tranquil atmosphere. Its convenient positioning near key roadways and local attractions makes it an accessible retreat for leisure and business travelers alike. The beautiful scenery surrounding the hotel, including well-kept grounds and gardens, adds to its charm. Guests consistently appreciate the opportunity to enjoy meals on a patio with stunning river views, enhancing their dining experience. The hotel is also noted for its clean, comfortable rooms and friendly, attentive staff, further contributing to a welcoming stay.
Breakfast at The Kingfisher receives mixed reviews. Many guests praise it for its variety, tasty food and accommodating service, particularly for gluten-free items. However, some found the selection limited, highlighting a lack of fresh fruit and poor choice for vegetarians and vegans. Issues like cold food, small portions and service delays were also noted. Despite these, many still found breakfast enjoyable and of good quality.
The dinner offerings at The Kingfisher are well-regarded with guests frequently describing the meals as high-quality, tasty and well-presented. The river views and pleasant ambiance of the restaurant enhance the dining experience. Despite occasional comments about the menu being average or service being slow, the general consensus is positive with good food and a pleasant atmosphere being the highlights.
The rooms at The Kingfisher are praised for their cleanliness, spaciousness and comfort. Guests often comment on the comfortable beds and well-equipped facilities, although some rooms could benefit from modern updates. The cozy ambiance and scenic views, especially from executive and suite options, contribute to a restful stay.
Impeccable cleanliness and friendly service are standout features of The Kingfisher. Guests continuously highlight the spotless rooms and public areas, attentive staff and well-maintained grounds. This dedication to hygiene and service extends to the restaurant, contributing to a positive overall experience.
The staff at The Kingfisher receive high praise for their friendliness and professionalism. Attentive and well-trained, they enhance the guest experience with welcoming and cheerful service. Noteworthy individuals like Jayda and other front desk personnel are often mentioned for their exceptional hospitality.
The Kingfisher is also noted for its dog-friendly facilities, offering amenities such as beds and bowls and access to various hotel areas for pets. This commitment to accommodating dogs adds to the overall positive guest experience, despite occasional feedback on staff attention when not part of a wedding party.
Overall, The Kingfisher is commended for its beautiful location, comfortable accommodations and excellent service, making it a favored choice for many travelers seeking a serene and welcoming getaway.
Categories
Breakfast at The Kingfisher receives mixed reviews. Many guests praise it for its variety, tasty food and accommodating service, particularly for gluten-free items. However, some found the selection limited, highlighting a lack of fresh fruit and poor choice for vegetarians and vegans. Issues like cold food, small portions and service delays were also noted. Despite these, many still found breakfast enjoyable and of good quality.
The dinner offerings at The Kingfisher are well-regarded with guests frequently describing the meals as high-quality, tasty and well-presented. The river views and pleasant ambiance of the restaurant enhance the dining experience. Despite occasional comments about the menu being average or service being slow, the general consensus is positive with good food and a pleasant atmosphere being the highlights.
The rooms at The Kingfisher are praised for their cleanliness, spaciousness and comfort. Guests often comment on the comfortable beds and well-equipped facilities, although some rooms could benefit from modern updates. The cozy ambiance and scenic views, especially from executive and suite options, contribute to a restful stay.
Impeccable cleanliness and friendly service are standout features of The Kingfisher. Guests continuously highlight the spotless rooms and public areas, attentive staff and well-maintained grounds. This dedication to hygiene and service extends to the restaurant, contributing to a positive overall experience.
The staff at The Kingfisher receive high praise for their friendliness and professionalism. Attentive and well-trained, they enhance the guest experience with welcoming and cheerful service. Noteworthy individuals like Jayda and other front desk personnel are often mentioned for their exceptional hospitality.
The Kingfisher is also noted for its dog-friendly facilities, offering amenities such as beds and bowls and access to various hotel areas for pets. This commitment to accommodating dogs adds to the overall positive guest experience, despite occasional feedback on staff attention when not part of a wedding party.
Overall, The Kingfisher is commended for its beautiful location, comfortable accommodations and excellent service, making it a favored choice for many travelers seeking a serene and welcoming getaway.
Hotel near Golf Courses
The Kingfisher is located near a golf course (within 3 km).
Family Friendly Hotel
The Kingfisher provides family rooms and a relaxed setting. It is conveniently located near family attractions.
Dog Friendly Hotel
The Kingfisher is known as a dog-friendly hotel with rooms that offer convenient outdoor access. It provides amenities such as beds and bowls, and dogs are allowed in the function room and restaurant where they are offered water.
Business Hotel
Listed as one of the best hotels in Bedfordshire, suggesting high standards. While specific business amenities are not detailed, its reputation implies quality suitable for business travelers.
Accessible Hotel
The Kingfisher has disabled parking spaces, wide front doors for wheelchair access, and ground floor bedrooms. It also offers a stair-free path to the entrance and wheelchair-accessible parking, public washrooms, restaurant, and lounge.
Hotel with EV Charging Stations
This riverside hotel provides two 22kW Type 2 EV charging stations, delivering 10kW. It is located on the River Great Ouse.
Boutique-style Hotel
Hotel near Vineyards
Hotel for Honeymoon
Romantic Hotel
4-Star Hotel
Guest Reviews
Nestled by the serene river, The Kingfisher boasts a picturesque setting that guests consistently rave about. Its riverside location offers a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing getaway. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, the hotel is not only a delight to the eyes but also conveniently situated near essential roadways like the A1 and M1, making it an accessible retreat for both leisure and business travelers.
The hotel’s surroundings add to its charm with many guests praising the opportunity to enjoy meals on a beautiful patio overlooking the river. Whether dining for breakfast or dinner, the peaceful river views enhance the dining experience. The Kingfisher's proximity to nature is another highlight, offering a perfect spot for those seeking a quiet and scenic environment.
Additionally, the hotel is well-situated for local attractions, such as Bedford Autodrome and is close to town amenities via a short taxi ride. The well-kept grounds and gardens by the river further contribute to the hotel's serene ambiance. Guests appreciate the clean and comfortable rooms and consistently mention the friendly and attentive staff, making stays pleasant and welcoming.
Whether visiting for business—with a location convenient to nearby offices—or personal reasons, The Kingfisher's excellent location and stunning river setting make it a favored choice among travelers. With the added benefit of dog-friendly facilities, it accommodates a wide range of guest needs. Despite occasional comments about nearby wedding venues, the overwhelmingly positive feedback highlights the exceptional location and inviting atmosphere of The Kingfisher.
The Kingfisher's breakfast offerings receive mixed feedback from guests. Many reviewers praise the breakfast as great, excellent and fantastic, highlighting a good variety of choices and noting that it is good value for money. Positive reviews often mention tasty food, attentive service and well-prepared ingredients. Some guests appreciated the accommodation of gluten-free items and enjoyed the scenic location.
However, there are recurring complaints about less appealing aspects. Some guests found the breakfast selection to be fairly limited with specific concerns about the lack of fresh fruit, poor choice of pastries and minimal options for vegetarians and vegans. Several reviews pointed out issues such as cold food, small portions and breakfast being only average or bog-standard. The use of tea and coffee flasks instead of drink machines was mentioned as a drawback.
Operational issues were also noted, including breakfast being busy, the restaurant being closed for refurbishment and delays in service. A 15% service charge and perceived high costs were additional points of contention for some guests. Overall, while many found the breakfast to be enjoyable and of good quality, inconsistencies in service and variety left others disappointed.
The Kingfisher hotel has garnered positive feedback for its dinner offerings with many guests highlighting the pleasant experience, particularly on warm summer evenings. The dinner has been praised for its quality and value with terms like "sublime evening meal" and "very nice" frequently used to describe the food. Guests appreciated the high level of food hygiene and the fresh, tasty meals served, often noting that the food was cooked and presented to perfection.
The restaurant offers a lovely ambiance, especially with views overlooking the river, which enhanced the dining experience. The staff received compliments for being very helpful and nice, contributing to the overall positive dining atmosphere.
However, there were a few mixed reviews. While some found the food to be excellent and the meals very tasty, others described it as average or ordinary and some noted that the dinner menu could be somewhat unremarkable and slow in service. The menu choice was deemed inadequate by some, leading to a less satisfying experience for these visitors.
There were also logistical issues mentioned, such as the restaurant and bar being closed due to refurbishment at times, which limited the options available for dining and relaxation. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the general consensus was that The Kingfisher provides a commendable dining experience with good food and a pleasant environment.
The Kingfisher hotel offers rooms that are consistently highlighted for their comfort and cleanliness. Guests often mention spacious accommodations with comfortable beds, making for a restful stay. Many appreciated the large and well-equipped rooms that cater comfortably to both adults and children. The executive and suite options, especially those with river views, received high praise for their clean, attractive rooms.
A cozy ambiance permeates the hotel, extending to its lovely exterior and well-maintained gardens. While some rooms are described as a bit dated and lacking modern amenities like a mini fridge, the overall sentiment reflects satisfaction with the basic comforts provided. Heating issues were isolated, but generally, the rooms maintained a warm and comfortable environment.
The hotel's strategic location, cozy atmosphere and clean facilities add to its charm. Although some reviews called for updates in certain areas, guests generally had positive experiences, valuing the spaciousness and tidiness of their rooms. The inclusion of a good breakfast with many stays further enhances the overall positive impression of The Kingfisher's accommodations.
The Kingfisher is a destination where guests consistently appreciate the quality of the accommodations, particularly the beds. The recurring theme in guest feedback highlights the comfort and spaciousness of the beds, often described as extremely comfortable or very comfortable. The beds are notably large and roomy, providing a restful night's sleep with plenty of available towels adding to the overall convenience.
The overarching sentiment is one of contentment with many reviewers emphasizing the super comfort of the beds. However, it's worth noting that there were occasional mentions of firmness and in a few instances, some beds showed signs of wear, such as lumpiness and noise, indicating the need for potential updates.
In addition to the comfortable sleeping arrangements, guests also appreciate the cozy restaurant and overall nice room quality, which further enhances The Kingfisher's welcoming atmosphere. Despite minor issues, the positive remarks about the bed comfort prevail, solidifying The Kingfisher as a commendable choice for a good night's sleep and a pleasant stay.
The Kingfisher stands out for its impeccable cleanliness and overall comfort, as repeatedly highlighted in guest reviews. Rooms are frequently described as clean, spacious and comfortable, providing a serene and restful environment. The hotel's cleanliness extends beyond the rooms with spotless dining areas and well-maintained grounds.
Guests found the staff to be exceptionally friendly and attentive, enhancing the welcoming atmosphere of the hotel. The restaurant facilities received positive remarks with good food hygiene standards evident.
The hotel's location is another asset, conveniently positioned for Bedford Autodrome and offering easy parking facilities. Despite a few minor issues, such as room views, the overall experience at The Kingfisher remains highly positive, combining comfort, cleanliness and friendly service.
The staff at The Kingfisher receive consistently high praise for their friendly and helpful demeanor. Many guests highlight the team's welcoming nature, noting that staff members were attentive, caring and well-trained. Several reviews commend specific individuals, such as Jayda and a young girl at the front desk, for their exceptional service and professionalism. Guests appreciate the efforts made by the staff to ensure a pleasant stay, especially in the restaurant, where the team is described as excellent and very attentive.
The hotel staff's ability to accommodate pets and maintain cleanliness also stands out in the reviews. Rooms are cleaned daily with fresh towels provided regularly. Additionally, the staff's cheerful and hard-working attitude leaves a positive impression on the guests.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few reviews mentioned areas for improvement. Some guests felt that certain staff members, particularly the reception team, could show more interest and personality. Overall, The Kingfisher's staff are highly regarded for their friendliness, professionalism and dedication to guest satisfaction.
The Kingfisher lives up to its reputation as a dog-friendly hotel, offering an impressive range of facilities and services tailored for pets. The hotel provides dog-friendly rooms with convenient access to the outdoors, ensuring a pleasant stay for both dogs and their owners. Pooches are made to feel especially welcome with many amenities including beds, bowls and even access to the function room and restaurant where they are offered water. Overall, the hotel is truly pet-friendly, creating an environment where dogs are not only allowed but celebrated. However, some guests noted a general lack of attention from the staff if they were not part of a wedding party, which could be an area for improvement. Despite this, the commitment to making dogs feel at home remains a standout feature.
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Location
The hotel’s surroundings add to its charm with many guests praising the opportunity to enjoy meals on a beautiful patio overlooking the river. Whether dining for breakfast or dinner, the peaceful river views enhance the dining experience. The Kingfisher's proximity to nature is another highlight, offering a perfect spot for those seeking a quiet and scenic environment.
Additionally, the hotel is well-situated for local attractions, such as Bedford Autodrome and is close to town amenities via a short taxi ride. The well-kept grounds and gardens by the river further contribute to the hotel's serene ambiance. Guests appreciate the clean and comfortable rooms and consistently mention the friendly and attentive staff, making stays pleasant and welcoming.
Whether visiting for business—with a location convenient to nearby offices—or personal reasons, The Kingfisher's excellent location and stunning river setting make it a favored choice among travelers. With the added benefit of dog-friendly facilities, it accommodates a wide range of guest needs. Despite occasional comments about nearby wedding venues, the overwhelmingly positive feedback highlights the exceptional location and inviting atmosphere of The Kingfisher.
Breakfast
However, there are recurring complaints about less appealing aspects. Some guests found the breakfast selection to be fairly limited with specific concerns about the lack of fresh fruit, poor choice of pastries and minimal options for vegetarians and vegans. Several reviews pointed out issues such as cold food, small portions and breakfast being only average or bog-standard. The use of tea and coffee flasks instead of drink machines was mentioned as a drawback.
Operational issues were also noted, including breakfast being busy, the restaurant being closed for refurbishment and delays in service. A 15% service charge and perceived high costs were additional points of contention for some guests. Overall, while many found the breakfast to be enjoyable and of good quality, inconsistencies in service and variety left others disappointed.
Dinner
The restaurant offers a lovely ambiance, especially with views overlooking the river, which enhanced the dining experience. The staff received compliments for being very helpful and nice, contributing to the overall positive dining atmosphere.
However, there were a few mixed reviews. While some found the food to be excellent and the meals very tasty, others described it as average or ordinary and some noted that the dinner menu could be somewhat unremarkable and slow in service. The menu choice was deemed inadequate by some, leading to a less satisfying experience for these visitors.
There were also logistical issues mentioned, such as the restaurant and bar being closed due to refurbishment at times, which limited the options available for dining and relaxation. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the general consensus was that The Kingfisher provides a commendable dining experience with good food and a pleasant environment.
Rooms
A cozy ambiance permeates the hotel, extending to its lovely exterior and well-maintained gardens. While some rooms are described as a bit dated and lacking modern amenities like a mini fridge, the overall sentiment reflects satisfaction with the basic comforts provided. Heating issues were isolated, but generally, the rooms maintained a warm and comfortable environment.
The hotel's strategic location, cozy atmosphere and clean facilities add to its charm. Although some reviews called for updates in certain areas, guests generally had positive experiences, valuing the spaciousness and tidiness of their rooms. The inclusion of a good breakfast with many stays further enhances the overall positive impression of The Kingfisher's accommodations.
Beds
The overarching sentiment is one of contentment with many reviewers emphasizing the super comfort of the beds. However, it's worth noting that there were occasional mentions of firmness and in a few instances, some beds showed signs of wear, such as lumpiness and noise, indicating the need for potential updates.
In addition to the comfortable sleeping arrangements, guests also appreciate the cozy restaurant and overall nice room quality, which further enhances The Kingfisher's welcoming atmosphere. Despite minor issues, the positive remarks about the bed comfort prevail, solidifying The Kingfisher as a commendable choice for a good night's sleep and a pleasant stay.
Cleanliness
Guests found the staff to be exceptionally friendly and attentive, enhancing the welcoming atmosphere of the hotel. The restaurant facilities received positive remarks with good food hygiene standards evident.
The hotel's location is another asset, conveniently positioned for Bedford Autodrome and offering easy parking facilities. Despite a few minor issues, such as room views, the overall experience at The Kingfisher remains highly positive, combining comfort, cleanliness and friendly service.
Staff
The hotel staff's ability to accommodate pets and maintain cleanliness also stands out in the reviews. Rooms are cleaned daily with fresh towels provided regularly. Additionally, the staff's cheerful and hard-working attitude leaves a positive impression on the guests.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few reviews mentioned areas for improvement. Some guests felt that certain staff members, particularly the reception team, could show more interest and personality. Overall, The Kingfisher's staff are highly regarded for their friendliness, professionalism and dedication to guest satisfaction.
Dog Friendly
No, The Kingfisher doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Kingfisher.
Yes, The Kingfisher welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at The Kingfisher.
No, The Kingfisher doesn't have a gym.
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